New Impreza WRX to be powered by 1.6 turbo engine

Since the new-gen Subaru Impreza has been launched, Subaru is now working on the new WRX version. According to the latest rumours, the new WRX will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, which will be capable of delivering 270 PS. The STi version will get an even more powerful version of the new engine delivering 300 PS.

The use of a 1.6-liter engine makes it also possible for Subaru to return to WRC and already, Ikuo Mori has said during the shareholders meeting on June 24 that a new sports car will be launched in 2014. 

New Subaru Impreza STi rendering

We know that a new Impreza is about to be launched this year, as the current model is not a great success for Subaru. BC has come up with this interesting STi rendering, claiming that power will come from a 2.0L boxer engine (FB20) delivering 300 ps. The new Impreza STi should be able to achieve a fuel efficiency of 13.0 km/L.

Subaru's mighty racing machines at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru's booth at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon has all the new tS models on display, as well as three STi concepts (earlier post), and some impressive racing machines. One of them is the Impreza WRX STi Nurburgring Edition 24H test car, which will compete in this year's race and Subaru aims to win its class.

Another impressive machine on display is the Legacy Super GT race car, powered by a Boxer engine, competing in the GT300 class.

More photos after the jump!

Rendering of next-gen Subaru Impreza WRX STi

This is the second rendering of the next-gen Subaru Impreza WRX STi (earlier post) I have came across so far, and as you can see, it is based on the concept presented at the LA Auto Show. As I have written before, Subaru... just don't cock it up....

Subaru Impreza WRX STi tS with carbon roof launched!

Subaru has launched today the Impreza WRX STi tS and WRX STi A-Line tS (earlier post), which go on sale from January 25 and only 400 of them will be made. Of course, they are going to be available only in Japan. The 'tS' models will be based on the four-door model and changes over the regular model include an aluminium engine hood and a carbon fibre roof (earlier post).

A number of mechanical changes have been made in order to lower the centre of gravity and achieve a firmer ride. New STi dampers and coil springs have been used, along with a different anti-roll bar. Also, some suspension parts have been replaced with new ones and flexible rear support has been adopted.

Other changes include different STi 18" wheels, RECARO seats with special red stitching, STi shift knob and a number of tS and STi logos.

If you really fancy one, and you live in Japan, you can place your order until March 14. The WRX STi tS (2.0 L engine) will cost you 4,725,000 ¥, while the WRX STi A-Line tS (coming with the 2.5 L engine couipled to a 5AT gearbox) 4,221,000 ¥.

Subaru introduces Impreza WRX STi spec C

Subaru further enhances the WRX STi line-up by introducing in Japan this STi spec C model, in addition to the regular WRX STi model and STi A-Line model, the AT version.

The WRX STi spec C model features enhanced engine and chassis performance as well as a lighter body on the premise of driving in motor sports. The twin scroll turbocharger newly adopted ball bearings for the turbine axle bearing, and the ECU (Engine Control Unit) program was also exclusively tuned. Thus the engine of the spec C model increases the maximum torque, and provides quicker response and improved accelerating performance. The adoption of an aluminum engine hood, laminar window glasses and a downsized battery resulted in a lighter body, which further refines the model’s driving performance. 

Subaru shows carbon fibre roof of Impreza WRX STi tS

Back on December 3 (earlier post), it was revealed that the upcoming Impreza WRX STI tS will feature a carbon fibre roof, which has been developed with Toray (東レ).  Subaru has now revealed a teaser image and the only new info is... that the tS version will be only available in Japan (as with the Forester tS STi).

Next Subaru Impreza WRX STi tS to get carbon fibre roof

FHI is working with Toray (東レ) for developing a roof made out of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), which will be used in the Subaru Impreza WRX STi tS. The CFRP roof will be 20% lighter than the steel one, and it will also improve the structural performance of the car. A lighter roof will enable also lowering the centre of gravity. The cost of using CFRP is high, but a special moulding method by Toray will enable to reduce the investment cost.

[Source: Tech-On!]

Rendering shows Subaru FT-86 and new Impreza STI

The rendering above, which has been published by a Japanese magazine, shows the upcoming Subaru FT-86 on the left and the new Impreza STI on the right. Although this is just a rendering and the design of both cars appears to be a little dramatic, it provides an indication of the possible future design language of Subaru could look like. I think Subaru has to do a lot of work in terms of design, in order its cars to have a clear identity.